System and Method for Activating Services on a Wireless Device

ABSTRACT

A system and method for activating services on a wireless device are provided that improve a user&#39;s experience and ease of activation/provisioning of services for the wireless device by providing a new provisioning channel for service activations. A user is simply required to input a short activation code(s) into the wireless device which is combined into an activation message along with other device-related information that is automatically retrieved from the wireless device. The generated activation message is then transmitted over the messaging provisioning channel accessible by inactive and/or unprovisioned wireless devices for delivery to a remote site for use in activating services on the wireless device. The services to be activated may include at least one of the following: out of the box activation, device upgrades, device reactivations, wireless number changes, wireless number porting, and the addition or purchasing of services including airtime, enrollments or content.

RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S. ProvisionalApplication Ser. No. 61/036,434, filed Mar. 13, 2008, and to U.S.Provisional Application Ser. No. 60/966,995, filed on Aug. 31, 2007, thecontents of both of which are incorporated by reference herein in theirentireties.

COPYRIGHT NOTICE

A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains materialsthat are subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has noobjection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent documentor the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and TrademarkOffice file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rightswhatsoever.

BACKGROUND

The present invention relates to systems and methods for activatingwireless services on wireless devices. More particularly, the presentinvention is a method and system for initial out of the box activationof wireless services on an unprovisioned wireless device.

SUMMARY

A system and method for activating services on a wireless device areprovided. In one or more embodiments, the system and method includereceiving a code provided by a user of the wireless device to be usedfor activating services on the wireless device. Device-relatedinformation is also automatically retrieved from the wireless device foruse in activating services on the wireless device. In one or moreembodiments, the retrieved device-related information may include aserial number for the wireless device and a serial number for asubscriber identity module (SIM) card installed in the wireless device,where such serial numbers are automatically retrieved memory componentsassociated with the wireless device and/or SIM card. An activationmessage including the user-provided code and the retrieveddevice-related information is generated. The activation message is thentransmitted over a provisioning channel available to inactive orunprovisioned wireless devices for delivery to a remote site for use inactivating services on the wireless device. In one or more embodiments,the provisioning channel may be a data messaging channel, such as anUnstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) channel, a Short MessageService (SMS) messaging channel or a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)messaging channel. In one or more embodiments, the services requested tobe activated include the initial “out of the box” activation of wirelessservices of an unprovisioned wireless device, such as those wirelessdevices requiring activation their purchase. In one or more embodiments,the services requested to be activated may include at least one ofinitial provisioning or activation, device upgrades, devicereactivations, wireless number changes, the addition or purchasing ofservices including airtime, enrollments or content, and wireless numberporting for wireless devices that have already been activated.

In one or more embodiments, the wireless device includes an inputdevice, a subscriber identity module (SIM) card, a memory, a processorand a transceiver. The input device allows a user to input an activationcode (or codes) used for activating services on the wireless device. Thesubscriber identity module (SIM) card may include a SIM card memory forstoring at least a SIM card serial number. The wireless device memorymay be used to store at least the device serial number. The processormay be coupled to the input device, the SIM card and the memory, andconfigured to collect the activation code(s), the SIM card serial numberand the device serial number, and generate an activation message thatincludes at least the activation code, the SIM card serial number andthe device serial number. The transceiver may be coupled to theprocessor and configured to transmit the activation message over aprovisioning channel that is available to inactive wireless devices fordelivery to a remote site for use in the activation of services on thewireless device.

According to one or more embodiments, a method for activating anunprovisioned wireless device using a provisioning channel provided by awireless carrier system is provided. The method includes receiving anactivation message transmitted from the unprovisioned wireless deviceover a provisioning channel accessible to unprovisioned or inactivewireless devices. The activation message includes a user-providedactivation code(s) and device-related information automaticallycollected from the wireless device to be activated. The method furtherincludes forwarding the activation message to a service providerprovisioning system for use by the service provider to initiate serviceactivation. In one or more embodiments, an interactive, real-timeconnection is established over the provisioning channel between thewireless device and the service provider during which the activationmessage is forwarded to the service provider.

In one or more embodiments, a wireless telecommunication system foractivating a wireless device is provided. The wireless telecommunicationsystem may include a transceiver configured to receive an activationmessage transmitted from the wireless device over a provisioning channelaccessible to unprovisioned or inactive wireless devices. The activationmessage includes a user-provided activation code(s) and device-relatedinformation automatically collected from the wireless device to beactivated. The wireless telecommunication system may also include asubscriber provisioning system operated by a service provider configuredto process the activation message for activating services on thewireless device.

DRAWINGS

The above-mentioned features and objects of the present disclosure willbecome more apparent with reference to the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like referencenumerals denote like elements and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic diagram of a wireless device provisioningsystem in accordance with one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

FIG. 2 illustrates an exemplary wireless device display for activatingwireless device services in accordance with one or more embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless device in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 4 is an operation flow diagram illustrating a method of generatingan activation message on a wireless device in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 5 is an operation flow diagram illustrating a method of forwardingan activation message over a wireless carrier network in accordance withone or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIG. 6 is an operation flow diagram illustrating a method of operating asubscriber provisioning system to activate services on a wireless devicein accordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the description that follows, the present invention will be describedin reference to preferred embodiments for out of the box activationmethods and systems. The present invention, however, is not limited toany particular application nor is it limited by the examples describedherein. Therefore, the description of the embodiments that follow arefor purposes of illustration and not limitation.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wireless device provisioning system 10, accordingto one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. The wirelessdevice provisioning system 10 may be used to activate services on awireless device 14. Unlike conventional activation processes forwireless devices that required a user to contact a live customer servicerepresentative, utilize an interactive voice response system from alandline or another wireless device, or access an Internet website touse a website activation system in order to activate services on awireless device, wireless services can be activated within the wirelessdevice provisioning system 10 to activate services for the wirelessdevice 14 without requiring access to an agent, website, or wireless orlandline telephone system. In one or more embodiments, the activatedservices may include the initial activation of the wireless device 14 byuser, such as those wireless devices requiring activation theirpurchase. This initial activation of the wireless device 14 may bedescribed herein as “out of the box” activation. In one or moreembodiments, the services requested to be activated may also include atleast one of device upgrades, device reactivations, wireless numberchanges, and wireless number porting for wireless devices that havepreviously been activated. In one or more embodiments, the wirelessdevice 14 to have services activated may comprise a mobile phone, asmartphone, a wireless computing device or laptop, a wireless handhelddevice, a mobile computing device, or other type of wireless devicehaving services that can be activated wirelessly.

In one or more embodiments, the wireless device 14 prompts a user 12 toenter an activation code (or codes) into an inactive wireless device 14.In one or more embodiments, the activation code comprises a code that iseasy to input and possibly easy for a user to remember, such as, forexample but without limitation, a 5 digit zip code, a telephone number,a personal identification number (PIN), or another code. The wirelessdevice 14 may automatically retrieve device-related information, such asbut not limited to, a serial number for the wireless device 14 and aserial number for a subscriber identity module (SIM) card installed inthe wireless device 14. The activation code is preferably short inlength in comparison to serial numbers for the wireless device 14 andthe SIM card so that the activation code(s) can easily be entered intothe wireless device 14 with only a small number of characters or digitsto enter, thereby providing a quick and efficient manner of obtainingrelevant information from the user and the wireless device 14 whilefurther minimizing the opportunity for a user to enter incorrectinformation.

The wireless device 14 then generates an activation message that atleast includes the activation code(s) input by the user and theautomatically retrieved device-related information, where the activationmessage is transmitted over a provisioning channel 15 provided over awireless carrier network 16 that is available to inactive orunprovisioned wireless devices 14. In one or more embodiments, theprovisioning channel 15 may be a data messaging channel, such as anUnstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) channel, a Short MessageService (SMS) messaging channel or a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP)messaging channel. The activation message is delivered across thewireless carrier network 16 to a remote site for use in activatingservices on the wireless device 14. The wireless carrier network 16receives the activation message via a the provisioning channel 15 andthen forwards in real time the activation message to a subscriberprovisioning system 22 operated by a service provider for the activationof services for the wireless device 14. In one or more embodiments, theservices requested to be activated include at least one an initial “outof the box” activation of wireless services of an unprovisioned wirelessdevice 14 or device upgrades, device reactivations, wireless numberchanges, the addition or purchasing of services including airtime,enrollments or content, and wireless number porting for wireless devices14 that have previously been activated or provisioned.

In one or more embodiments, the wireless carrier network 16 is connectedto a wireless carrier server 18 that forwards the activation message tothe subscriber provisioning system 22, either directly or through adestination server 20 connected to the subscriber provisioning system22, to initiate service activation and provisioning of the wirelessdevice 14.

In one or more embodiments, the wireless device 14 may include a userinterface screen displaying a message that prompts a user to takecertain actions to be used for the activation of services. Referring nowto FIG. 2, an exemplary display for a wireless device 14 when initiatingwireless device activation is illustrated in accordance with one or moreembodiments. The wireless device 14 includes a display 24 and an inputdevice 26. In some embodiments, the display 24 of the wireless device 14may be a touch screen that can be used both for display and the input ofdata. According to one or more embodiments, the display 24 may display aprompt for a user to enter an activation code, such as, for example butwithout limitation, a local zip code, a telephone number, or a personalidentification number (PIN), into the wireless device 14.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram of a wireless device 14 inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Thewireless device 14 may include a display 24, an input device 26, atransceiver 28, a processor 30, a memory 32 and a SIM card 34. Thedisplay 24 may be used to display a prompt the user 12 to enter anactivation code used for activating services on the wireless device 14.The user 12 may use the input device 26 to input the activation code(s).The activation code(s) may be a short alphanumerical code independent ofthe wireless device 14. The memory 32 may be used to store devicerelated information including at least a device serial number, forexample, an International Mobile Equipment Identity (IMEI), anElectronic Serial Number (ESN) or Mobile Equipment Identifier (MEID).The SIM card 34 may include a SIM card memory 36 for storing at least aSIM card serial number, for example, an Integrated Circuit Card ID(ICCID).

The processor 30 may be coupled to the input device 26, the SIM card 34and the memory 32, and configured to collect the activation code andautomatically retrieve the SIM card serial number and the device serialnumber, and generate an activation message that includes at least theactivation code, the SIM card serial number and the device serialnumber. In one embodiment, the activation message is a MobileOriginating Provisioning Request (MOPR) message. In some embodiments,the activation message may be encrypted to ensure messages are secure,intact and not corrupted. The activation message may then be transmittedto a remote site via an antenna 38 coupled to transceiver 28. Thetransceiver 28 may be configured to transmit the activation message overa provisioning channel available to inactive wireless devices forrequesting activation of services on the wireless device. Theprovisioning channel may, for example, be a Unstructured SupplementaryService Data (USSD) channel, a Short Message Service (SMS) messagingchannel or a Wireless Application Protocol (WAP) messaging channel.

In one or more embodiments in which a USSD channel is made available foran inactive wireless device 14 to utilize, the wireless device 14initially requests a USSD session in which a real time connectionsession is established between the wireless device 14 and a remotedevice over the USSD provisioning channel 15. USSD is a session orientedservice that allows the real time exchange of information during acommunication session, as opposed to other types of messaging datachannels that require the storage and forwarding of messages. During theUSSD real time connection session, the activation message is transmittedfrom the wireless device 14 to the remote component with which it hasestablished a USSD connection session. A typical USSD message startswith a “*” followed by digits which indicate an action to be performedor are parameters, with each group of numbers is separated by a *, andthe message is terminated with a “#.” Thus, by way of example withoutlimitation, the activation message may appears as follows over the USSDconnection “*[service provider forwarding code]*[activation code]*[SIMcard serial number]*[device serial number]#.”

In one or more embodiments directed to the specific application ofprepaid wireless communications, subscriptions can be formulated and theparameters loaded onto the SIM card 34. In one embodiment, thesystem/service provider activates subscriptions by loading thesubscription's parameters on the SIM card 34 that is to be used for theparticular wireless device 14. This allocation may occur before the user12 actually enables the subscription and activates the subscription onthe device 14.

According to one or more embodiments, the SIM card memory 36 may store asoftware application for initiating activation of services on thewireless device 14. The SIM card memory 36 can be implemented in anexternal or internal machine-readable medium, which may be any mechanismthat provides (i.e. stores and/or transmits) information in a formreadable by the processor 38. For example, the machine-readable mediummay be a read only memory (ROM), a random access memory (RAM), a cache,a hard disk drive, a portable storage media, an optical storage media, aflash memory device or any other memory device capable of storinginformation. The SIM card memory may be used to store, arrange andretrieve data. The SIM card memory 36 may provide instructions, whichwhen read by processor 30, cause the processor 30 to perform operationsfor initiating activation of services on the wireless device 14.

In one or more embodiments, the software application may automaticallybe initiated upon the detection of the powering on of the wirelessdevice 14 for “out of the box” activation services, wherein the softwareapplication may include an initial wireless device boot up sequence thatprompts the user to enter an activation code, such as a shortalphanumeric code, to commence activation after the wireless device 14has been powered up. In a preferred embodiment, the activation code canbe a 5 digit zip code but may also include other required data inputs toinitiate the proper MOPR and complete the user's provisioning request.The user input may be used to determine which particular services andsubscriptions are to be provisioned. For example, the user input may beused to determine which rate center a wireless phone number is requestedfrom the carrier in order to initiate provisioning. The softwareapplication may provide instructions to the processor 30 to collect theactivation code entered by the user 12 along with the wireless deviceserial number (ESN, IMEI or MEID) and the SIM card serial number(ICCID). The software application may also provide instructions to theprocessor 30 to generate an activation message, such as a MOPR message,with the collected data and transmit it to the applicable wirelesscarrier network 16 via a designated provisioning channel 15 that is ableto be accessed by inactive wireless devices 14.

In one embodiment, the software application may provide instructions tothe processor 30 to generate a message to be displayed on the display 24in the event that the MOPR is not completed or acknowledged within apredetermined period of time. The message may instruct the user 12 tocontact user support in order to activate the wireless device 14.Otherwise provisioning and activation messages may be displayed on thedisplay 24.

FIG. 4 is an operation flow diagram illustrating a method of operationfor the wireless device 14 in generating the activation message inaccordance with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. Uponthe detection that activation services are being requested for thewireless device 14 (e.g., upon initial powering up of the wirelessdevice 14 or upon a user-initiated request), the wireless device 14prompts a user to input an activation code in operation 40. The wirelessdevice 14 collects the activation code input by the user 12 of thewireless device 14 to be used for activating services on the wirelessdevice 14 in operation 42. In one embodiment, the wireless device 14prompts the user 12 on display 24 to input the code using the inputdevice 26. The processor 30 may then execution instructions of thesoftware program so as to automatically retrieve device-relatedinformation from the memory 32 of the wireless device 14 in operation44, wherein such device-related information includes a serial number forthe wireless device 14. A serial number for the SIM card 34 is alsoautomatically retrieved from the SIM card memory 36 in operation 44. Thewireless device 14 then generates an activation message including theinput activation code and the retrieved device-related information inoperation 46. The transceiver 28 of the wireless device 14 may thentransmit the activation message over the provisioning channel 15accessible by inactive wireless devices for delivery to a remote site tobe used for the activation of services on the wireless device 14 inoperation 48. In one or more embodiments, such as when establishing aUSSD connection, the wireless device 14 may establish an activationsession over the provisioning channel 15 to transmit the activationmessage.

In one or more embodiments, the wireless carrier network 16 hasavailable a provisioning channel 15, such as USSD, SMS or WAP messagingchannels, to support the transmission and delivery of the MOPR frominactive wireless device 14. This provisioning channel 14 is differentfrom the normal communications channel over which the wireless devicewill conduct normal communications over the wireless carrier network 16once activated and/or provisioned. This provisioning channel 14 is alsodifferent from the conventional website-based, IVR telephone-based orcustomer service representative channels used in previously knownactivation methods. The provisioning channel 15 may be available toinactive/unactivated wireless devices 14 having the special-purpose SIMcard software application that instructs the wireless device 14 toactivate itself over the provisioning channel 15.

Other types of system hardware and software than that described herecould also be used, depending on the capacity of the wireless carriernetwork 16 to accommodate multiple requests for service activation. Forexample, the wireless carrier server 18 may be part of a server farm orserver network, which is a logical group of one or more servers. Asanother example, there could be multiple servers 18 that may beassociated or connected with each other, or multiple servers couldoperate independently, but with shared data. In a further embodiment andas is typical in large-scale systems, application software could beimplemented in components, with different components running ondifferent server computers, on the same server, or some combination. Oneskilled in the art will recognize that although referred to in thesingular, a processor or server may actually consist of a plurality ofcomputing devices that operate together to provide data in response torequests from other computing devices. Thus, as used herein the termprocessor or server more accurately refer to a computing device or setof computing devices that work together to respond to specific requests.

FIG. 5 is an operation flow diagram illustrating a method of forwardingan activation message over a wireless carrier network 16 in accordancewith one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. In one or moreembodiments, the wireless carrier network 16 receives a request over theprovisioning channel 15 to initiate an activation session (e.g., a USSDconnection session) in operation 50. The wireless carrier network 16then established an activation session with the wireless device 14 inoperation 52. The wireless carrier network 16 then receives theactivation message transmitted from the wireless device 14 over theprovisioning channel 15 accessible to inactive wireless devices inoperation 54. In some embodiments, such as those embodiments in which anactivation session is not required, the wireless carrier network 16 willnot perform the operations associated with establishing an activationsession and will simply receive the activation message transmitted fromthe wireless device 14. Once the activation message is received, thewireless carrier network 16 then forward the activation message to thesubscriber provisioning system 22 operated by a service provider inoperation 56 for the activation of services.

Referring now to FIG. 6, an operation flow diagram is providedillustrating a method of operating a subscriber provisioning system 22to activate services on the wireless device 14 in accordance with one ormore embodiments of the present disclosure. The subscriber provisioningsystem 22 may have a server or a plurality of servers that operateindependently or together in response to one or more request for serviceactivation on wireless devices 14. At the service provider site, adestination server 20 may also be connected to the subscriberprovisioning system 22 for receiving incoming activation messages andforwarding them to the subscriber provisioning system 22 for serviceactivation and provisioning of the wireless device 14. The destinationserver receives an activation message or a request to establish anactivation session from the wireless carrier network 16 in operation 60.The destination server 20 forwards the request or activation message tothe subscriber provisioning system 22 in operation 62. The request oractivation message is then processed in operation 64 to initiate theactivation of services on the wireless device 14.

The subscriber provisioning system 22 may be configured to receive theactivation message from the wireless carrier network 16 and may furtherinclude a network interface module (not shown) for maintainingconnectivity with the wireless carrier network 16 in order to receiveactivation messages therefrom. In one embodiment, the subscriberprovisioning system 22 may receive the activation message via USSD, aShort Message Service (SMS), a Virtual Private Network (VPN), a DigitalSignal 3 (DS3), Signaling System #7 (SS7), or other suitableconnectivity. In one embodiment, once the subscriber provisioning system22 receives the activation message, the provisioning channel for thatsubscription can remain active or be deactivated. In one or moreembodiments, the activation message may then be processed by existingback office processes. Error handling and messaging may be used toidentify, record and respond to erroneous or missing data from theactivation message.

In one or more embodiments, the activation messaging may be used toprovide additional subscriber services and additional features for theSIM software application to support the additional services. In someembodiments, this may enhance the use of the MOPR activation message forsubscriber self-services by utilizing existing network andinfrastructure for subscriber provisioning systems 22 and wirelesscarrier networks 16. In one embodiment, the activation messaging of thepresent disclosure may enable a user to initiate service requestsdirectly from the wireless device 14 to perform a number of possiblesubscriber self services, such as but not limited to activation,upgrade, reactivation, perform a wireless number change, and/or requesta wireless number port provisioning request, allowing such servicerequests through their handset without requiring access to an agent,website or another telephone.

The following examples provided below demonstrate without limitationexemplary functionality using activation messaging on variousprovisioning channels.

EXAMPLE 1 USSD MOPR and Messaging Solution

According to one or more embodiment, the SIM software application may beprogrammed for use on a SIM profile to prompt a user 12 of the wirelessdevice 14 with one or more of the following options at boot up basedupon an available device or SIM variable that will indicate that thehandset has not been provisioned (or otherwise prompt a user 12 at othertimes based on a selectable menu):

Option 1: Activation. If option 1 is selected for activation of thewireless device 14, the SIM software application may prompt the user toenter the activation code (e.g., five digit zip code) to be included inthe activation message. Optionally, the user may further be prompted toprovide a 10 digit user contact number in case the user needs to bereached if there are any problems activating the wireless device. In oneor more embodiments, the activation message may include one or morepieces of the following information used for activation purposes: ShortCode (from SIM software application), a Reseller ID (from SIM softwareapplication), Transaction ID “1” (from SIM software application), IMEI(from handset), ICCID (from SIM software application), activation code(e.g., zip code) from user input, and a 10 digit optional user contactnumber (user input value).

Option 2: Upgrade. If option 2 is selected for upgrading the wirelessdevice 14, the SIM software application may prompt the user 12 to enterinformation related to the wireless device 14 to be used in upgradingthe device 14. For example, the user can be prompted to enter the 10digit wireless number associated with the wireless device 14, the oldIMEI or a portion of the the old IMEI (e.g., the last 5 digits of oldIMEI), and at least a portion of the old ICCID (e.g., the first 7 digitsof the old ICCID) to be included in the activation message. In someembodiments, some of this information may be automatically retrievedfrom the wireless device 14 by the SIM software application. In one ormore embodiments, the activation message may include one or more piecesof the following information used for upgrade purposes: Short Code (fromSIM software application), Reseller ID (from SIM software application),Transaction ID “2” (from SIM software application), IMEI (from handset),ICCID (from SIM software application), Mobile Number (user input value),OLD IMEI or portion of OLD IMEI (user input value), and a portion of OLDICCID (user input value).

Option 3: Reactivation. If option 3 is selected for reactivation, theSIM software application may prompt the user 12 to enter information,such as an airtime pin number and/or a alphanumeric promo code, to beincluded in the activation message and used for reactivation purposes bythe subscriber provisioning system 22. In one or more embodiments, theactivation message may include one or more pieces of the followinginformation used for upgrade purposes: Short Code (from SIM softwareapplication), Reseller ID (from SIM software application), TransactionID “3” (from SIM software application), IMEI (from handset), ICCID (fromSIM software application), Airtime Pin (user input value), and anoptional Promo Code (user input value).

Option 4: Number Change. If option 4 is selected for a number change,the SIM software application may prompt the user 12 to enter anactivation code (e.g., a five digit zip code) to be included in theactivation message. The SIM software application may further prompt amessage to the user 12 advising that they will lose their existingwireless number and that a new number will be assigned. In one or moreembodiments, the activation message may include one or more pieces ofthe following information used for upgrade purposes: Short Code (fromSIM software application), Reseller ID (from SIM software application),Transaction ID “4” (from SIM software application), IMEI (from handset),ICCID (from SIM software application), and activation code (user inputvalue).

Menu Option 5: Port. If option 5 is selected for porting, the SIMsoftware application may display, “Call Customer Service to submit yourport request” on the handset display 24.

Menu Option 6: Add Services If option 6 is selected for Purchasing,Adding Airtime Service or Enrollments, the SIM software application mayprompt the user 12 to enter information, such as an airtime pin numberand/or a alphanumeric promo code credit card number or accountinformation, to be included in the activation message and used for thepurposes of the subscriber provisioning system 22. In one or moreembodiments, the activation message may include one or more pieces ofthe following information: Short Code (from SIM software application),Reseller ID (from SIM software application), Transaction ID “3” (fromSIM software application), IMEI (from handset), ICCID (from SIM softwareapplication), Airtime Pin (user input value), and an optional Promo Code(user input value) or any other required information.

In one or more embodiments, the SIM software application may validatefield length on all user input values to ensure the correct or asufficient number of characters are entered by the user 12. For example,the character length validation per input value may be as follows: zipcode=5 digit validation, user contact number=null or 10 digitvalidation, mobile number=10 digit validation, old IMEI or last 5 digitsof old IMEI=greater than 5 digit validation, airtime pin=greater than 14digit validation, promo code=null or 5 digit validation, and old ICCID=7digits. If the required length of characters is not entered by the user12, the wireless device 14 may display the following message: “Invalidentry. Please try again”. In one embodiment, after 3 attempts by theuser 12 to enter the correct number of characters on any applicationoption, the wireless device 14 may display “Call Customer Service” onthe handset display.

Once user 12 completes the required input based upon the selected menuoption, the SIM software application may establish a USSD connection viaa provisioned USSD short activation code. Once the USSD connection isestablished, the SIM software application may generate the MOPR anddeliver the message via the wireless device 14 to the destination server20 based upon the selected menu option.

In one embodiment, the SIM software application may perform errorhandling and message acknowledgement. For example, for Off NetworkValidation, after three (3) unsuccessful attempts by a user through anyapplication option, the SIM software application may present “CallCustomer Service on the handset display. For Network Down Validation, ifthe wireless carrier network 16 is unable to connect with or deliver theMOPR to the destination server 20, the wireless carrier network 16 mayreturn an acknowledgment to the wireless device 14 as a text string”Call Customer Service” which will show on the handset display 24. ForDevice Support Validation, the SIM software application may beconfigured to work on certain handset models. If a non-supported modelis used, the SIM may not display the SIM software application boot upoption or the menu options. For Back Office Error Notification, any USSDacknowledgement message returned by the destination server 20 mayinclude back office error messages or instructions for the user todisplay as a text string on the handset display 24. For Upgrade SupportValidation, when selecting the upgrade option at boot up or in the menuoption, compare the first 7 digits of the OLD ICCID and the first 7digits of the Current SIM. If different, display “Call Customer Service”on the handset display 24. If the same, allow the MOPR to proceed.Additionally, for SIM Application Priority, the SIM software applicationmay take presentation priority over the handset main screen or wake upgraphic upon handset power cycle.

While various embodiments described herein have described theprovisioning channel 15 as being a USSD channel available for use byinactive wireless devices 14, it is further understood that other typesof messaging channels available for use by inactive wireless devices 14can be utilized. By way of example but without limitation, such othertypes of messaging channels may include SMS and WAP.

One skilled in the art would appreciate that the examples describedabove, are merely illustrative of exemplary software applicationfunctionality using activation messaging on different provisioningchannels. It is understood by a person skilled in the art, theadditional functionalities may be implemented with the SIM softwareapplication. For example, the software application may be able to beflexed (enabled) “on” or “off” at the point of manufacturing. Further,the user entry or input fields may be table driven to support additionalentries as required by changing needs in the future and may be able tobe added or modified via administrative over-the-air (OTA) messaging,and the available menu options for the activation of services can beflexed (enabled) “on” or “off” and updated via administrativeover-the-air (OTA) messaging (e.g., USSD or SMS). In some embodiments, auser 12 may not be charged service charges for the USSD, SMS or WAPactivation and browsing messages. In some embodiments, the particularwireless carrier network 16 and type of provisioning channel can varyand be changed or modified. In one embodiment, the SIM softwareapplication may support Re-Boot and Rescan radio functionality on thewireless device 14. The SIM software application may also delete theLOCI file upon generating and sending the MOPR generated through certainactions (e.g., menu options 1 or 2 described above). These features maybe customizable at the point of manufacturing by the carrier as therequirements may vary based upon HLR configuration or the provisioningchannel selected for the activation message. Finally, additionalSubscriber Services Menus may be added to support any service requeststhat would be required in the future.

As can be envisioned by a person skilled in the art, the systems andmethods described may be used to activate various services on a wirelessdevice 14 through use of a provisioning channel 15 accessible byinactive or unprovisioned wireless devices 14. In one or moreembodiments, the simplified activation system and method described invarious embodiments herein improve the user experience by providing anew messaging channel for services activations and limiting a user'sneed to use the Internet or telephone for access to the serviceprovider's back office system for the purpose of wireless serviceactivations. It further reduces the chance for user input errors andsimplifies the activation process by reducing the number of alphanumericcharacters that need to be entered by the user from a typical forty ormore (when activating via the Internet or telephone and forced to enterall of the device and SIM card serial numbers) to a much shorter code,such as, for example but without limitation, a five digit zip code. Thisreduction of required user input improves wireless service activationsuccess rates of initial activations and expands the accessibility ofwireless service to users that do not have access to traditional wiredcommunication services or access to another telephone for activation.The present invention also leverages existing service provider's backoffice systems and the wireless carrier's current network andinfrastructure.

While the apparatus and method have been described in terms of what arepresently considered to be the most practical and preferred embodiments,it is to be understood that the disclosure need not be limited to thedisclosed embodiments. It is intended to cover various modifications andsimilar arrangements included within the spirit and scope of the claims,the scope of which may be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and similar structures. The presentdisclosure includes any and all embodiments of the following claims.

1. A method for activating services on a wireless device, the methodcomprising: receiving at least one code input into the wireless deviceto be used for activating services on the wireless device; automaticallyretrieving device-related information from the wireless device;generating an activation message including the input code and thedevice-related information; and transmitting the activation message overa provisioning channel accessible by inactive wireless devices fordelivery to a remote site for use in activating services on the wirelessdevice.
 2. The method of claim 1, wherein the wireless device isinitially inactive and the services to be activated include initialactivation of the wireless device for its intended use.
 3. The method ofclaim 1, wherein the provisioning channel accessible by the inactivewireless devices comprises an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data(USSD) channel.
 4. The method of claim 3, further comprisingestablishing an activation session over the USSD channel fortransmitting the activation message.
 5. The method of claim 1, whereinthe provisioning channel is selected from a group consisting of a ShortMessage Service (SMS) messaging channel and a Wireless ApplicationProtocol (WAP) messaging channel.
 6. The method of claim 1, wherein theat least one input code comprises a short alphanumerical codeindependent of the wireless device.
 7. The method of claim 1, whereinthe input code is a zip code.
 8. The method of claim 1, wherein theautomatically retrieved device-related information includes a serialnumber for the wireless device and a serial number for a subscriberidentity module (SIM) card installed in the wireless device that isautomatically retrieved from a SIM card memory.
 9. The method of claim1, wherein services requested to be activated include at least one ofdevice upgrades, device reactivations, wireless number changes, wirelessnumber porting, and the addition or purchasing of services includingairtime, enrollments or content.
 10. The method of claim 1, wherein theactivation message is a Mobile Originating Provisioning Request (MOPR)message.
 11. The method of claim 1, wherein the activation message isencrypted.
 12. A wireless device comprising: an input device forallowing the input of an activation code used for activating services onthe wireless device; a subscriber identity module (SIM) card having aSIM card memory for storing at least a SIM card serial number; a memoryfor storing at least a device serial number; a processor coupled to theinput device, the SIM card and the memory, and configured to collect theactivation code, the SIM card serial number and the device serialnumber, and generate an activation message having at least theactivation code, the SIM card serial number and the device serialnumber; and a transceiver coupled to the processor and configured totransmit the activation message over a provisioning channel available toinactive wireless devices for delivery to a remote site for requestingactivation of services on the wireless device.
 13. The wireless deviceof claim 12, wherein the wireless device is initially inactive and theservices to be activated include initial activation of the wirelessdevice for its intended use.
 14. The wireless device of claim 12,wherein the activation code is a zip code.
 15. The wireless device ofclaim 12, wherein the activation code comprises a short alphanumericalcode independent of the wireless device.
 16. The wireless device ofclaim 12, wherein the provisioning channel is an UnstructuredSupplementary Service Data (USSD) channel.
 17. The wireless device ofclaim 12, wherein the provisioning channel is selected from a groupconsisting of a Short Message Service (SMS) messaging channel and aWireless Application Protocol (WAP) messaging channel.
 18. The wirelessdevice of claim 12, wherein services requested to be activated includeat least one of device upgrades, device reactivations, wireless numberchanges, wireless number porting, and the addition or purchasing ofservices including airtime, enrollments or content.
 19. The wirelessdevice of claim 12, wherein the activation message is a MobileOriginating Provisioning Request (MOPR) message.
 20. The wireless deviceof claim 12, wherein the activation message is encrypted.
 21. A methodfor activating a wireless device, the method comprising: receiving anactivation message transmitted from the wireless device over aprovisioning channel accessible to inactive wireless devices, theactivation message including a user-provided activation code anddevice-related information automatically collected from the wirelessdevice to be activated; and forwarding the activation message to aservice provider provisioning system to initiate service activation. 22.The method of claim 21, wherein the wireless device is initiallyinactive and the services to be activated include initial activation ofthe wireless device for its intended use.
 23. The method of claim 21,wherein the provisioning channel is selected from a group consisting ofa Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) channel, a ShortMessage Service (SMS) messaging channel and a Wireless ApplicationProtocol (WAP) messaging channel.
 24. The method of claim 21, whereinthe user-provided activation code comprises a short alphanumerical codeindependent of the wireless device.
 25. The method of claim 21, whereinthe user-provided activation code is a zip code.
 26. The method of claim21, wherein the device-related information includes a serial number forthe wireless device and a serial number for a subscriber identity module(SIM) card installed in the wireless device that is automaticallyretrieved from a SIM card memory.
 27. The method of claim 21, whereinservices requested to be activated include at least one of deviceupgrades, device reactivations, wireless number changes, wireless numberporting, and the addition or purchasing of services including airtime,enrollments or content.
 28. The method of claim 21, wherein theactivation message is a Mobile Originating Provisioning Request (MOPR)message.
 29. The method of claim 21, wherein the activation message isencrypted.
 30. A wireless telecommunication system for activating awireless device comprising: a transceiver configured to receive anactivation message transmitted from the wireless device over aprovisioning channel accessible to inactive wireless devices, theactivation message including a user-provided activation code anddevice-related information automatically collected from the wirelessdevice to be activated; and a processor configured to process theactivation message for initiating service activation.
 31. The wirelesstelecommunication system of claim 30, wherein the processor forwards theactivation message to a service provider provisioning system forinitiating service activation.
 32. The wireless telecommunication systemof claim 30, wherein the wireless device is initially inactive and theservices to be activated include initial activation of the wirelessdevice for its intended use.
 33. The wireless telecommunication systemof claim 30, wherein the user-provided activation code comprises a shortalphanumerical code independent of the wireless device.
 34. The wirelesstelecommunication system of claim 30, wherein the user-providedactivation code is a zip code.
 35. The wireless telecommunication systemof claim 30, wherein the device-related information includes a serialnumber for the wireless device and a serial number for a subscriberidentity module (SIM) card installed in the wireless device that isautomatically retrieved from a SIM card memory.
 36. The wirelesstelecommunication system of claim 30, wherein services requested to beactivated include at least one of device upgrades, device reactivations,wireless number changes, wireless number porting, and the addition orpurchasing of services including airtime, enrollments or content. 37.The wireless telecommunication system of claim 30, wherein theprovisioning channel is selected from a group consisting of aUnstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) channel, a Short MessageService (SMS) messaging channel and a Wireless Application Protocol(WAP) messaging channel.
 38. The wireless telecommunication system ofclaim 30, wherein the activation message is a Mobile OriginatingProvisioning Request (MOPR) message.
 39. The wireless telecommunicationsystem of claim 30, wherein the activation message is encrypted.
 40. Asubscriber provisioning system for activating a wireless devicecomprising: a server configured to: receive an activation message from awireless carrier system, the activation message including auser-provided activation code and device-related informationautomatically collected from the wireless device to be activated; andprocess the activation message for initiating service activation. 41.The subscriber provisioning system of claim 40, further comprisingestablishing a real time activation session between the subscriberprovisioning system and the wireless device over a messaging channel forperforming activation services for the wireless device.
 42. Thesubscriber provisioning system of claim 41, wherein the messagingchannel is an Unstructured Supplementary Service Data (USSD) channel.43. The subscriber provisioning system of claim 40, wherein the wirelessdevice is initially inactive and the services to be activated includeinitial activation of the wireless device for its intended use.
 44. Thesubscriber provisioning system of claim 40, wherein the user-providedactivation code comprises a short alphanumerical code independent of thewireless device.
 45. The subscriber provisioning system of claim 40,wherein the user-provided activation code is a zip code.
 46. Thesubscriber provisioning system of claim 40, wherein the device-relatedinformation includes a serial number for the wireless device and aserial number for a subscriber identity module (SIM) card installed inthe wireless device that is automatically retrieved from a SIM cardmemory.
 47. The subscriber provisioning system of claim 40, whereinservices requested to be activated include at least one of deviceupgrades, device reactivations, wireless number changes, wireless numberporting, and the addition or purchasing of services including airtime,enrollments or content.
 48. The subscriber provisioning system of claim40, wherein the activation message is a Mobile Originating ProvisioningRequest (MOPR) message.
 49. The subscriber provisioning system of claim40, wherein the activation message is encrypted.